THE lives of about 21 Badjao kids are changed forever after being chosen as beneficiaries of Oplan Sagip Mag-aaral project of the City Government and the Department of Education (DepEd).

These kids are formerly living in the streets and begging but are rescued by the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) through a series of operations.

Under the program, the city will shoulder the educational expenses of the children, which includes free school supplies and uniform. They are currently enrolled in St. John Puntod Elementary School.

Julius Pamisa, Division head for Community and Social Development of the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) said the city government is ready to shoulder the kids' education until college, if they are willing to continue and finish their studies.

Pamisa said the city can identify a city scholarship program that should suit them.

The city, through its Comprehensive Program for Street Children and Street Families, had since been providing intervention programs for Badjao families residing in the city.

In the past, the city has rescued and ferried over 100 Badjao families back to their respective provinces.

Over the years, Badjao families created a small community in Cagayan de Oro, particularly in coastal areas, such as in barangay Bayabas. (PJ Orias)